John W. Rogers Sr. (September 3, 1918 – January 21, 2014) was an American attorney and military aviator.
He served as a Cook County, Illinois Juvenile Court judge, attorney, U.S. Army Air Force/U.S.
On August 5, 1942, he graduated from the Tuskegee Advanced Pilot Cadet program as a member of the fifth-ever Cadet Class Single Engine Section SE-42-G, receiving his wings and commission as a 2nd Lieutenant.
[2][5] He was one of America's first thirty-four African American combat fighter pilots.
During World War II, he flew 120 combat missions throughout the European Theater.
Rogers Sr. attended the University of Chicago Law School, graduating in 1948 with a Juris Doctor degree.
The University of Chicago Law School rescinded its rejection, admitting Rogers Sr relied on academic funding provided by the GI Bill.
[1] In 1968, he met fellow University of Chicago graduate Gwendolyn on a blind date.